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Absolutely it would. Bureaucracy is trying desperately to destroy our technological heritage. They’ve tried more than once to ban steam locomotives on the mainline but haven’t yet managed to produce a logical argument (thankfully )

It’s got to be a balance between ensuring safety and allowing our heritage to survive. It seems these days it’s going too much one way! Steam trains are our heritage as are old cars and these old aircraft.

The trouble is when you try to argue for heritage transport you are often labelled reckless. This ignores the dedication and commitment these groups put to these projects. I would argue that groups like Vulcan to the Sky were more safety conscious regarding XH558 than most airlines these days

Unlike the airlines they are not driven by profit – BIG difference. I remember reading in Fly Past once about a project to restore a Sea Vixen (I don’t remember which one exactly) and the project leader said, “How do you make a lot of money with a heritage project like this? You start with a hell of a lot of money.” No profit just love.

So true. Just look at the current projects/ mosquito, typhoon, tornado, Canberra etc. all desperate to raise money to make the project work. It’s a long slog and always uphill with a strong wind in front of you.

Back when the Sea Harriers were in service I watched a very interesting vertical takeoff/hover demonstration by one from Ark Royal/ 801 Squadron. I was perhaps 75 metres away and the noise still had to be heard to be believed. The Harrier was an awesome aircraft….and still is…